EESC elects Christa Schweng for top job

Austria's representative Christa Schweng has become the 33rd president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the fifth woman to chair the EU body representing organized civil society since its creation in 1958. The two new EESC vice-presidents are Giulia Barbucci (Italy) , Vice-President for Budget and Cillian Lohan (Ireland), Vice-President for Communication.

 The motto of the new presidency of Christa Schweng is "United for the future of Europe".

“This term will be marked by the Covid-19 pandemic and, unfortunately, sometimes by uncertainty and economic and social hardship, in which companies struggle to survive and workers lose their jobs. In the present situation, more than ever, we need to join forces, develop a vision for a new Europe after the Covid-19 pandemic, and do everything we can to ensure that our Committee makes a significant contribution to rebuilding Europe and its future resilience. This will go hand in hand with rebuilding a more united, efficient and highly valued EESC," Christa Schweng said,:following her appointment.

The new president pledged to take immediate action to restore the EESC's reputation and confidence in the institution after it had recently reaffirmed its firm commitment to combat psychological harassment in the workplace.

(WBJ)